COGNITO the robot very nearly stole the show as Prince Edward opened Bolton’s newest school. 

The prince looked on as the programmable device performed the National Anthem before offering a respectful salute during a visit to UTC Bolton.

Earlier, excited youngsters had lined Wigan Road, eager to greet the prince and tell him all about their new school, which opened at the start of the academic year.

The Earl of Wessex stopped to talk to Aisha Muslam, aged 16, along the way.

She said: “I told him that this college is amazing, he asked if it filled a gap and I told him it did.

“It is great he came to officially open the school and I never thought I would meet a royal and never have the chance to speak to one.”

The prince watched would-be medics demonstrate CPR before going for a tour of the state-of-the-art school.

Hafsa Khayre, aged 16, said: “He asked about what we were learning and how it was different to my other school.

“It was quite nerve-racking doing the demonstration and I never expected I would ever speak to a royal.”

Amna Nadeem, aged 16, added: “He was really nice and friendly. He made us us all feel at ease.”

The UTC building is named after Dr Norman Stoller in recognition of his significant contribution to health care and charity.

He said: “I am of course thrilled and delighted by the decision to allow my name to be associated with this university technical college, opened by his Royal Highness.

“My greatest hope is that the young people who are going to develop their art in this fine building, will go on to mirror my own success for the benefit of the town, their families and themselves.”

Ahead of the unveiling of the plaque, Prince Edward said: “Thank you very much for inviting me to come down here, apologies for being a bit late, unfortunately the cloud was bit thick over Bolton.

“But fantastic to meet so many of you, great to hear such enthusiasm about this new college, and the opportunities they are providing. It all seems to be working really well and is bringing some great new talents and skills into the workplace.

“I wish you all the best of luck with your chosen careers and I hope this UTC rally does help you on your way and I would add my thanks to everyone who have been involved in making it happen.

"It is all very well having an idea but it requires an awful lot of other people to make it happen so thank to all those and to Norman Stollar in particular, a huge thanks and fantastic that you have your name up."

He encouraged the guests to make a lot of noise as the plaque was unveiled.

Cognito, a Nao Robot, very nearly stole the show with a rendition of the National Anthem, at which some saluted.

To the prince's’ delight, the robot was presented to him as a reminder of his visit.

Dr Zubair Hanslot, CEO of UTC Bolton, said: “I think he was very impressed with UTC Bolton, and it has means a lot to us he came to officially open it.

“We want to give young people a public school education without the fees.

“He was relaxed and friendly and spoke to pupils.

“I am looking forward to my invitation to Buckingham Palace to help programme the robot!”

Click here for our live blog on how the prince's day in Bolton unfolded.